Where to find it

Habitats

When to find it

June

July

August

How can people help

White-letter hairstreaks are estimated to have suffered a 99% population decline over the last 25 years in the UK. The eggs of white-letter hairstreaks are laid on elm trees, which the caterpillars feed on in spring and the decline may in part be due to the loss of their larval food plant due to Dutch elm disease. If you have hedges with elm trees where white-letter hairstreaks may be present, encourage the presence of food plants such as bramble or hogweed. This species may also be under-recorded so please report any sightings to your county Wildlife Trust or biological record centre.